By the end of 2025, all homes in England, Scotland, and Wales will be able to get a smart meter for gas and
electricity. This move is part of a larger upgrade to Britain's energy system. The time when your smart meter will
be
installed will depend on several factors. These factors include the plans from your energy supplier and how
prepared
your home is for the installation.
How Can I Find Out My Smart
Meter Installation Date?
To find out when they will put in your smart meter, you can:
Contact Your Energy Supplier: Most energy suppliers have details on their websites about when
you can get smart meters. You can also call their customer service to check if you can get one and let them know
you are interested.
Register Your Interest Online: Many suppliers, like British Gas, E.ON Next, and Octopus
Energy,
allow you to sign up online easily. You can fill out a form to join the list and will receive updates when smart
meter installations happen in your area.
Use Online Tools: Some suppliers have online tools or customer portals. You can log in to
check
the status of smart meter installations near you.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero says that over 30 million smart meters are in homes and small
businesses in the UK. The program is progressing well. But the time it takes to install these smart meters can
vary.
This depends on what suppliers can do and the plan for each area.
What is the
Current Smart Meter Rollout Status by Major UK Suppliers?
Each energy supplier in the UK has its own method and timeline for smart meter installation. Here’s a quick
update
on how the main suppliers are currently doing it:
British Gas Smart Meter Rollout
Status
British Gas is striving to install smart meters in every home by 2025. You can find out if you are eligible and
sign up on the British Gas website. If your home is not ready yet, you can join the waiting list. They will inform
you when a smart meter is available for you.
E.ON Next Smart Meter
Installation Update
E.ON Next is beginning to offer smart meters in your area. If you're interested in getting a smart meter, you
can sign up on their website. They will contact you if you qualify. If you do not qualify, they will guide you on
the next steps.
EDF Energy Smart Meter
Installation Timeline
EDF Energy is now putting in smart meters, but on a smaller scale while they make the process better. The company
wants to boost installations later this year to meet the 2025 deadline. Customers can visit the EDF Energy website
to get updates about when the installations will be available.
Octopus Energy Smart
Meter Installation Schedule
Octopus Energy customers can sign up for a smart meter on their website. By signing up, they can enjoy special deals and
tariffs just for smart meters. Octopus works hard to get smart meters to customers quickly. They also give clear
updates on when you can get a meter and when it will be installed.
OVO Energy (Including SSE)
Smart Meter Rollout
OVO Energy is now including SSE customers. They are moving ahead with putting in smart meters. Customers will be
informed when smart meters are ready to be installed in their area. They can then set up an appointment online.
Some
tall buildings or specific types of properties may not be able to use smart meters right now. However, OVO is
working to improve this service.
Scottish Power Smart Meter
Rollout Plans
Scottish Power is installing smart meters as part of a bigger plan. They started a small test in 2015. Now, they
are installing more meters. Customers will receive a letter when it is time for their area. Then, they can make an
appointment.
Smaller UK Suppliers (Outfox the
Market, Fuse Energy, Tulo Energy, Tomato Energy)
Smaller suppliers like Outfox the Market, Fuse Energy, Tulo Energy, and Tomato Energy are taking part in the
smart
meter rollout. Each supplier offers a unique plan. You should contact them directly to find out if you can join
and to show your interest.
What Should You
Expect on the Day of Smart Meter Installation?
On the day of installation, an engineer from your energy supplier or a contractor will remove your old
meters. They will then install new smart meters. Here is what you can expect:
Installation Time: Installing each meter takes about 1-2 hours. Your power supply may stop
for
a short time during this.
Preparation: Please clear the area around your old meters. The engineer needs access to
install
the new meters.
Instructions: After they install your new smart meter, the engineer will teach you how to use it and the
in-home display (IHD). The IHD shows real-time details about your energy usage.
If there are issues during installation, like problems with compatibility or signal, the engineer will discuss
solutions or what steps to take next.
Why Are Some Homes
Not Ready for Smart Meter Installation Yet?
Most homes can have smart meters. However, some might not be ready yet. This could be due to technical or
practical
problems.
High-Rise Buildings: In high-rise buildings, smart meters may struggle to connect properly
with
the energy supplier's network due to signal issues.
Incompatible Systems: Some older heating and electrical systems may not be able to use smart
meter technology. An engineer can offer advice on upgrades or alternatives.
Weak Signal Areas: Homes located in remote areas with weak mobile signals may find it hard to
link smart meters to the network. Energy suppliers are working to resolve these issues as technology continues
to
improve.
If your home cannot get a smart meter now, your energy supplier will inform you about future
opportunities. They will also share information about new technology that could help with smart meter
installation later.
What Are the Benefits
of Installing a Smart Meter in the UK?
Installing a smart meter has several advantages, including:
Accurate Billing: Smart meters provide exact readings. This means you won't get estimated
bills. You only pay for the energy you really use.
Real-Time Data: The display in your home shows your energy use right now. This helps families
better understand and manage their energy.
Energy Savings: By tracking their energy use, families can find ways to save. This could
lower
their energy bills.
Special Tariffs: Many energy providers offer special tariffs for smart meter users. This
gives
more chances to save.
Environmental Impact: Smart meters improve the energy grid. They give data that helps balance
supply and demand. This can lower carbon emissions.
Can I Switch Energy
Suppliers While Waiting for a Smart Meter?
Yes, you can switch your energy supplier while you wait for a smart meter. Just remember these
points:
Impact on Installation Timeline: Changing your supplier may change your place in the
installation order. This change depends on when the new supplier can start the service.
Compatibility: Make sure the new supplier can install smart meters. Check if they are
prepared
to set one up for you.
Future Upgrades: If you choose a supplier that uses a different type of smart meter (like
SMETS1 or SMETS2), you might need to do some extra work to ensure it functions correctly.
Before you switch suppliers, talk to your current supplier and the new supplier. This will help you see what the
smart meter installation means for you.
How Do Smart Meters Interact with
Solar Panels?
Smart meters can work with solar panels. But, there are several things you should consider:
Energy Export: Some smart meters can measure the electricity your solar panels send to the
National Grid.
Accurate Readings: Let your energy company know you have solar panels. This way, they can
give
you the right smart meter.
Feed-in Tariffs: Smart meters can help track the energy made for feed-in tariff programs
accurately.
How Can Landlords and
Tenants Benefit from Smart Meters?
Smart meters can help landlords and tenants.
Energy Efficiency: This helps find homes that use energy in a smart way.
Accurate Billing: It makes sure that renters pay only for the energy they actually use.
Installation Permission: Renters often need the landlord's approval to put in new things.
What
Should I Know About Smart Meter Installation in Hard-to-Reach Areas?
A few things to consider for setting up in hard-to-reach areas:
Cupboard Installations: Installers can work with meters found in cupboards.
Signal Boosters: These tools can help when the network is weak.
Alternative Solutions: Regular meters may be needed if smart features do not work well.
How long does it
typically take to have a smart meter installed?
Typically, smart meter installations in the UK take around 1 to 2 hours. The process involves replacing your old
meter with a smart meter, checking its functionality, and ensuring it's connected to the smart meter network.
It's a quick and convenient upgrade for better energy management.
FAQs for "When Will My Smart
Meter Be Installed?"
How do I check my
eligibility for a smart meter?
You can check if you qualify by contacting your energy supplier. You can also visit their website for more
information.
Will my
supplier notify me before installing a smart meter?
Energy suppliers often inform customers in advance. This helps to choose a good installation date.
What
should I do if I miss my smart meter installation appointment?
Contact your supplier now to make a new appointment.
Can I
request a specific date for my smart meter installation?
Most suppliers allow you to choose a date and time that is best for your installation.
Are
there any costs associated with smart meter installation in the UK?
Installing smart meters is free. This is part of a national program. The energy suppliers pay for the cost.
FAQs for “When Will My Smart Meter Be Installed?”
How do I check my eligibility for a smart meter?
You can check if you qualify by contacting your energy supplier. You can also visit their website
for more information.
Will my supplier notify me before installing a smart meter?
Energy suppliers often inform customers in advance. This helps to choose a good installation date.
What should I do if I miss my smart meter installation appointment?
Contact your supplier now to make a new appointment.
Can I request a specific date for my smart meter installation?
Most suppliers allow you to choose a date and time that is best for your installation.
Are there any costs associated with smart meter installation in the UK?
Installing smart meters is free. This is part of a national program. The energy suppliers pay for
the cost.
We use cookies to provide the best possible user experience and maintain a secure environment. Some cookies are essential for the proper functioning and security of our website, enabling core features like processing your comparison queries and accessing your rewards. We also employ optional cookies for advanced analytics, tracking, advertising, testing, and performance optimisation.
By clicking 'Accept All', you consent to our use of all cookies. If you click 'Reject All', we will only use the necessary cookies required for the site to function securely. For more control over your cookie preferences, click 'Let Me Choose' to customise which optional cookies you're comfortable with. To learn more about the specific types of cookies we use, please visit our comprehensive
Cookie Policy.
Manage your cookies preferences.
Please select and accept your cookie preferences:
These essential cookies ensure the proper functioning and security of the website and app. They enable core features and services without collecting personal information for tracking or advertising purposes.
These cookies provide insights into how customers interact with our website and app. The aggregated and anonymous data collected helps us understand the usage of our products and services, enabling us to identify areas for improvement and optimise your browsing experience.
These cookies help us present products, services and offers that are most relevant to you. We may use the data collected by these cookies to personalise the advertisements you see on our website and other platforms, ensuring a more tailored browsing experience.
These cookies allow our website and app to remember your preferences, such as your region, country, language, accessibility options, and other settings. By enabling these cookies, we can provide you with a more personalised and convenient browsing experience tailored to your specific needs.
These cookies are used when we advertise on social media platforms. They allow these platforms to recognise you as one of our users and display relevant ads to you on our behalf. When you use your social media account to log in to our services, these cookies may also be used by the platforms to collect information about your behaviour for personalised advertising purposes.
